Alright, another year gone, and another year not quite ready to announce the final death of rock music. Cases in point:
BELAIR LIP BOMBS
Again
Melbourne, Australia's Belair Lip Bombs, the first Australian band to sign with Jack White's Third Man Records, combine a peppy mixture of punk, psych, new wave, and just plain catchy riff-rock. And singer has a pleasant but strong voice that can cut through the noisy guitars.If it weren't for the Beths latest release, this might be my favorite album of the year. Loving it. Looking forward to seeing them live at Polaris Hall in Portland next March.
THE BETHS
Straight Line Was A Lie
Just across the Tasman Sea from the Belair Lip Bombs, New Zealand's The Beths have released yet another total winner. Every track is great, with ever-insightful and personal lyrics, and consistently memorable tunes. Maintaining their position at the top of my list of Favorite Bands of the Last Ten Years, with ease. Great fun live, too, with magical moments like this one, where two of them launch recorders in the air and play a short solo.
This music brings me joy, in spite of the subject matter here:
SLOAN
Based On The Best Seller
No, wait, THIS is my favorite album of 2025! Uh, it's a tie? Toronto's (formerly from Halifax) Sloan (no relation) has done it again; every track's a winner, and all four original members (34 years as a band!) contribute in their own style. And their sense of humor is still fully intact, as seen by these fun promo videos:
THE HIVES
The Hives Forever Forever The Hives
These rockin' Swedes have lasted way longer than I would've predicted, but I'm very glad they have. This is loud fun.
GRUFF RHYS
Dim Probs
Former Super Furry Animals singer releases yet another low-key solo album (title is Welsh for "No probs"). The tunes get quite mesmerizing but remain generally lighthearted. And Gruff's voice is still soothing to listen to.
ENVY OF NONE (featuring Alex Lifeson of Rush)
Stygian Waves
Second release from the band featuring Alex on guitars and sound textures, singer/songwriter Maiah Wynne, bassist Andy Curran, and keyboardist Alfio Annibalini. More melodic and stronger musically than their first effort. This "We used to be a project but now we are a band!" group is doing good stuff, and I'm digging it, in this post-Rush universe.
ALICE COOPER
The Revenge of Alice Cooper
Under normal circumstances, I would judge this a fairly average release, but these are NOT normal circumstances: After breaking up the band in 1975 to go solo, Alice Cooper (the man, nee Vincent Furnier) regrouped with his original surviving bandmates (Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith) after 51 years, to make a full album together. The fact that it even comes close to their classic sound and attitude from the 70's is near miraculous. And it's a lot of fun. Great to see them have at least one last hurrah together.
STEREOLAB
Instant Holograms On Metal Film
Formed in 1990 in London, then reunited in 2019, this new Stereolab album stands tall alongside their previous catalog of consistent melodic pop/synth/rock. A breezy, satisfying listen.
ANDY BELL
Pinball Wanderer
This shoegaze pioneer creates another spell-weaving solo album during downtime between Ride tours and albums, this one embracing a motorik Krautrock pace on several tracks, like this one. No sign of slippage in quality.
SPARKS
Mad!
This 26th studio album since 1972, by the now-legendary Mael brothers duo from Los Angeles, is getting somewhat mixed reviews by critics, but I listened to the album again while writing this blog, and frankly, it's all bangers. Their ever-present wry humor and clever social commentary are still there, and the songs grab you from the start. It's a keeper.
STEVEN WILSON
The Overview
More prog-adjacent music from the prolific Steven Wilson (solo, Porcupine Tree). The album title is about the phenomenon that astronauts experience when they look on the earth from outer space, and see that there are no borders and no countries, putting in perspective the folly of human tribalism. The album contains quiet/acoustic and louder rock sections, and on this song, electronica with proggish rhythmic complexity (but trust me, it goes down easy). Keeping concept albums alive!
ALISON GOLDFRAPP
Flux
In another corner of the electronica universe is Alison Goldfrapp's (now solo, without Will Gregory's masterful synthesizer touches), chill dancefloor 2025 effort. Her voice is still pure honey, and the album creates an easygoing vibe that is much needed in this anxiety-inducing world.
NOVELTY ISLAND
Jigsaw Causeway
In quirkier territory, Novelty Island, mostly consisting of Liverpudlian songwriter, singer, player, producer Tom McConnell, creates his best effort yet. Tom created not only the cover artwork, but an actual large jigsaw, and a bunch of colorful sheep to float suspended (perhaps a tip of the hat to Pink Floyd's inflatable pig?) during concerts. I was tempted to spend $$ on the box set version (now sold out on Bandcamp) because it includes an actual jigsaw of the beautiful artwork with the vinyl edition, but ultimately the shipping from the UK was just too costly for me. If I see one in the States though, I'm going for it. Tom deserves to be more well-known, and it just feels like a matter of time until the world catches on.
ANTON BARBEAU
Glitch Wizard
Anton not only released this great record in 2025, but he released two others: Dig The Light, and Klaust, both of which are equally great. Like a triple-vinyl set back in the day...an indie psych-rock version of The Clash's Sandanista. I love this guy; he brims with positivity and humor, and creates one great tune after another.
Now go play some great music, and dance around the room like a fool. It'll help keep you sane!
I think I'm slowing down; it feels like I didn't LOVE as many albums as in previous years. And I'm falling back more and more on new releases by old favorites, as opposed to spelunking to find new gems. But there have been a few.
Note: As a reflection of just how off the map from the public I've wandered, I went through Rolling Stone magazine's "Best 100 Albums of 2024" and there are a grand total of five albums that I listened to this year (Sleater-Kinney's 'Little Rope,' Fontaine D.C.'s 'Romance,' John Cale's 'POPtical Illusion,' St. Vincent's ‘All Born Screaming,' and Jack White's ‘No Name’), and while all good (or very good), none those made my 'keepers' list. You're welcome to look up their list; I'm sure there are many great albums to be enjoyed. I make no claim that the albums below are "Best" of anything, I just liked them the most personally.
FRANK TURNER
Undefeated
Frank is new to me (thank you, Amy Englehardt and Alex Stein!) but wow this album grabs you and holds you passionately from start to finish. How has this guy slipped by me until now? This is sublime songwriting and performing. On the song below, Frank says this is a "conversation with my 15-year-old self." The opening verse is perfect, and it gets deeper from there:
Fifteen-year-old Francis
We need to have a word
I know 'cause I remember
That you cannot stand The Verve
But Richard Ashcroft had a point
Now I'm old enough to see
There's a million different people
You will be before you're me
And when his vocal soars - "Cease FIIIIIRE!" - it blows me to bits. If you only listen to one song on this blog post, make it this one:
KIM DEAL
Nobody Loves You
When Kim Deal left the Pixies, I loved her albums as leader of The Breeders as much as the Pixies. (The album Cannonball is a classic, but my favorite Breeders song is the title track off this EP.) Kim remains weird and wonderful on her first solo album. I didn't know it was arriving, but I'm sure glad it's here.
MAXIMO PARK
Stream Of Life
These Newcastle post-punk revivalists, going strong for almost 20 years now (an amazing feat in this ever-shifting-away-from-rock musical landscape), released another great album of songs with meaningful lyrics. The only other band on my radar doing this kind of music are Franz Ferdinand. "Tell me your favourite songs, and I'll tell you mine, and we'll sing along, and all of our troubles will fade away." (Okay VB?)
RIDE
Interplay
Intrepid pioneers of the shoegaze movement, but dedicated to musical growth, Ride's release was as good as any from their last two decades post-reunion. This song is probably not referring to my Portland (Oregon), more likely the Portland in Dorset County, England, or perhaps a reference to Portland cement, but the lyrics aren't giving it away, so I can choose to believe it is.
PEARL JAM
Dark Matter
I was gonna say that Pearl Jam hasn't rocked this hard since 1993, but Gigaton rocked pretty hard in 2020. I attended an album listening at my favorite local movie theater (Cinema 21), where they showed visualizations while listening to the songs over a good speaker system in an otherwise darkened theater. Subtitles helped too:
KULA SHAKER
Natural Magick
If there's an earworm in this list, this is it. Kula Shaker reached their commercial peak in the late 90's, but after a long hiatus, leader Crispian Mills and company have been making great albums consistently for years now. Keep it cool, uh, Shaker!
FIELD MUSIC
Limits Of Language
These lads from Sunderland continue to release delightful records. This falls in the "rock" category, but there is an artfulness, rhythmic subtlety, and emotion you don't come across very often. I love this music so much. And unlike people I've spoken to from Sunderland, I can really understand the sung lyrics. Hard to believe that this is a two-man band, brothers David and Peter Brewis.
TEARS FOR FEARS
Songs For A Nervous Planet (live + EP)
I saw the tour last year, then I saw the movie of the tour this fall, and now I'm listening to this double album of the tour, recorded in Tennessee. I LOVE IT. Tears For Fears are revitalized and have put together an incredible document of their old hits combined with new songs from their recent full album, The Tipping Point. This isn't just a live album though: It starts off with four new songs which are all great, and tug at the heartstrings. They could've released it as a separate EP, but no problem: Through the magic of old-school iTunes, I split it off and listen to it separately (and added a fifth song, "Landlocked" which appeared on the Japanese-only release). Here's one of my favorites, which performs the classic Fears trick of combining very heavy themes with cheery hooks and melodies:
THE SOUTHERN RIVER BAND
D.I.Y.
Oh sure, you've heard this all before, especially in the mid-1970's, but I have a soft spot for this kind of good-time rockin' with a loud n' proud groove. Note: These guys aren't from the American South, they're from Australia.
TONY LEVIN
Bringing It Down To The Bass
Current King Crimson member, occasional Peter Gabriel side-man, and instigator of many, many other projects, master bass and stick man Tony Levin released his latest, an eclectic collection of original songs. Pretty proggy, and not one I'll listen to that often, but very musical, and often very fun, including this very jazzy a capella ode to all the amazing drummers he's worked with over the years. How many of these names do you know?
THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN
Glasgow Eyes
Who would've thought so many years on that these brothers, often spotted fighting (with fists, even), would still be cranking out great skronky rock? Not me. But hey if the Gallagher brothers can do it, why not William and Jim Reid? This is the second video on this list to feature a "seizure warning." Guess it's a trend? Oh, and this song isn't pronounced "Jam Cod." Listen for it...
THE THE
Ensoulment
After a 20-year break, Matt Johnson is back with his smoky and seductive voice, to give us a state of the world in a catchy groove. File under Late Night Driving on Dark Back Roads Music.
THE FEELING
San Vito
Singer Dan Gillespie Sells has one of the sweetest voices, and great range. The music's good too, very tuneful, expansive and emotional, but with a light touch that comforts the soul.
HIFI SEAN AND DAVID MCALMONT
Daylight
Scotsman Sean Dickson, formerly of the much-loved (by me at least) Soup Dragons, finds new footing with heavenly-voiced singer David McAlmont in a modern, feel-good, dancable format. This kind of positivity is a rare find, and is just what I need right now.
GRUFF RHYS
Sadness Sets Me Free
Oh how I miss the Super Furry Animals, but at least if they're not an ongoing prospect anymore, we've been blessed with a large amount of side projects and solo albums from most of its members. Former SFA lead singer Gruff Rhys forges ahead with another tuneful, often country-tinged, beautifully melancholic album. I find his voice so soothing.
X
Smoke And Fiction
Legendary L.A. alt-punk rockabilly band X say this is their last album. If so, they're going out strong. Weatherbeaten but never beaten, these guys have earned their smiles:
THE RAVEONETTES
Sing...
The only rock band from Denmark that I've ever heard. This is a collection of cool cover songs, run through the Raveonettes reverb-saturated filter. Recommendation: Play this on a dark rainy winter night for full efffect (but remove all sharp objects from the room first).
HAWKWIND
Stories From Time And Space
Hawkwind formed in 1969 in London, and haven't stopped yet. Early releases were epic and noisy space-rock affairs. On their 36th(!) studio album, they remain intense, but have settled into sonically rich, hypnotic groove territory. Fifty-five years into it, this is amazing stuff:
THE PARANOID STYLE
The Interrigator
Washington, D.C.'s The Paranoid Style (named after American historian Richard Hofstadter's essay of the same name), led by husband-and-wife duo Elizabeth Nelson and Timothy Bracy, crank out peppy garage rock but with a very literate and often political edge. And often quite fun:
NICK PIUNTI AND THE COMPLICATED MEN
Up And Out Of It
Power Pop of the highest degree, Nick and band power through a delightful set of songs, including this stroll through a record shop in search of the right album:
EX-NORWEGIAN AND FRIENDS
Sing Wistle Tunes: Tribute to John Entwistle
A delightful collection of songs written by the Who's bassman (aka The Ox, aka Thunderfingers). These tunes aren't as recognizable as the Pete Townshend-penned famous Who songs, but these are some of the quirkier, more fun songs in their discography. Best way to find this album is on Bandcamp, where you can just listen, or buy.
COLLECTIVE SOUL
Here To Eternity
Collective Soul appeared on the scene in 1992, channeling the heavy guitars in fashion at the time with irrisistible radio friendly hooks. And they haven't lost the touch. The entire album is very strong:
NATHANIEL RATELIFF AND THE NIGHT SWEATS
South of Here
I was just recently turned on to this artist/band. Great rhymn n' blues rock, parts Springsteen, The Band, and...the Beatles? Check out the opening track below and tell me there isn't a hint of McCartney here. Love this guy's singing voice.
Well, that's it for 2024. Please let me know in the comments, or message me one way or another, to let me know if you found any of these a good listen, or maybe, just maybe you found something you want to explore further. I would be very pleased to know!
Here's to 2025, and a new batch of great music. And to quote author Nick Hornby, remember that “Record stores can't save your life. But they can give you a better one.”
Another year, another great batch of mostly under-the-radar releases! Thirty (a record!) albums made the list this year:
THE TOMS
Sunday Nite Fever
Fantastic, cut-above power pop along the lines of the Cars and XTC, and yet this is original and fresh.
THUMPASAURUS
Hard
Quirky, funny, and FUNKY as hell.
THOSE PRETTY WRONGS (featuring Jody Stephens, drummer for Big Star)
Holiday Camp
If you've been missing the short-lived but amazing Big Star for almost 50 years...well this is pretty great. Very Big Star-ish. Jody sings with an earnest, bit warbly but lovable voice. The songs are peppy (hey Jody's the drummer after all), but the lyrics can run pretty deep, like this one about a guy who puts up with a lot of crap so he won't be lonely (not so sure that's a winning strategy).
TEENAGE FANCLUB
Nothing Lasts Forever
One thing I love about these guys is that they totally embrace their age and don't waste time on rockstar poses or phony pumped up anthems. Instead, they stay true to their melodic muse, layer vocal harmonies over rhythmically strummed chords, and create beautiful tunes like this:
STEPHEN WILSON
The Harmony Codex
Mr. Wilson continues his growth as a solo artist, trying on subtle new styles while keeping one foot firmly in prog ground: Blips and beeps, ethereal sounscapes, challenging polyrhyms. This is haunting and beautiful:
SPARKS
The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte
Sparks are absolutely unique. That they've kept this up for over 50 years now is just incredible. And they don't show any sings of slowing down. This video is so funny you'll want to cry:
SEMISONIC
Little Bit Of Sun
Heaven-sent power pop! I didn't see this coming...it's been 22 years since their last amazing album, All About Chemistry. A hearty welcome back, Dan Wilson! This is perfect music that will add sunshine no matter what the weather:
ROBERT FORSTER (of the Go-Betweens)
The Candle And The Flame
Robert's lyrics are just on another level. A true poet:
THE POLYPHONIC SPREE
Salvage Enterprise
Ten years after their last full album (Yes, It's True), Tim DeLaughter and gang are back with a toned down, more stately, but very beautiful and inspirational album from start to finish. If you need some spiritual encouragement, sit with this for a while:
PETER GABRIEL
I/O
(Bright-Side Mix)
Interesting ploy: They released two mixes: a Dark-Side Mix, which to my ears indeed feels muted, and my preferred Bright-Side Mix. Or as @AncientAudiophone commented, "This bright mix puts the text in front and the dark mix puts the melody and feelings in front. Both are brilliant." Even on my car stereo, this is three-dimensonal sound with fine aural details. Some of these songs are classic PG: Funky cool. And some, Gabriel gets quiet, deep and wise, as on "So Much."
The body stiffens, tires and aches
In its wrinkled, blotchy skin
With each decade, more camouflage
For the wild-eyed child within
Now close your eyes for a moment
Look down and look above
All the warmth inside of you
Comes from those you love
OSEES (formerly Thee Oh Sees)
Intercepted Message
Dark weird cool funky new wave keyboard rock! Yeah!!
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK (OMD)
Bauhaus Staircase
I can't believe these guys are saying this will be their last album! They're totally on their game, with buckets of hooks and that classic OMD sound. And this is one of the most beautiful songs in their catalog:
NOVELTY ISLAND
Wallsend Weekend Television
Basically a solo project by Tom McConnell, a Liverpudlian who wears his hometown's Beatles influences proudly, along with a big helping of ELO. I love this sunny pop:
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
Continue As A Guest
A darker-shaded, pensive album, and yet A.C. Newman can do no wrong. These songs grow on you and leave a strong impression. The addition of a saxaphone on several tracks adds a new dimension and emotional weight:
MUDHONEY
Plastic Eternity
One of the (or just THE) original grunge bands trudges on in convincing fashion! Whether Mark Arm is singing about his little doggie, or something cosmically heavy, it's great:
METALLICA
72 Seasons
Well damn, this album is way better than I'd hoped for. Kicks ass! Although they could sue themselves for plagiarism for this first track, lifting from "Master of Puppets," I don't mind, because this is what we've wanted all along since the 80's right?!?
MADNESS
Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C'est La Vie
This unexpected release by the 80's ska masters is very welcome! And a concept album no less!
IGGY POP
Every Loser
Seventy-five years is NOTHING to this motherfucker! For a guy who hinted that he might just retire and fade off into the sunset a while back, well this album is the EXACT OPPOSITE:
THE HIVES
The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons
Those wacky Swedish neo-punks sure know how to bring the energy! Yeeeeaaah
GAZ COOMBES (of Supergrass)
Turn The Car Around
I will always miss Supergrass, who put out a string of amazing albums from 1995 to the mid-2000's, but Gaz, the primary songwriter and singer of that band soldiers on as a solo artist. This is as good as anything he's done yet:
FLYYING COLOURS
You Never Know
Another very good neo-shoegaze band, this one from Australia. For those rainy, dark winter days, staying home and reading a book about existentialism. Those churning ringing guitars will keep you warm.
DAS KOOLIES (Super Furry Animals minus Gruff Rhys)
DK.01
Das Koolies is four-fifths of the Super Furry Animals, minus lead singer Gruff Rhys. Gruff has a good and interesting singing voice and personality, so it was a big loss, but SFA-1 soldiers on as DK.01. Hooray! Love the boops, blips, synth washes, crazy rhythms and beats.
THE CORAL
Sea Of Mirrors
Twelve albums in 21 years, these winsome folksy (and slightly psychedelic) rockers haven't lost their knack for catchy melodies and hooks. I put them on when I need to relax or take a nice stroll through a park trail with headphones on.
BLUR
The Ballad Of Darren
It's been eight years since their last album (which had some great moments), which was another 12 years after Think Tank (which felt like a band running out of gas). But The Ballad of Darren is great. The band sounds revitalized and spunky. I guess momentum is overrated?
BLONDE REDHEAD
Sit Down For Dinner
This music is spellbinding if you give it your attention. Kazu Makino's voice has deepened slightly with age, which gives her an even more expressive range. I had to wait nine years for this new album, but it was worth the patience.
ANTON BARBEAU
Morgenmusik/Nachtschlager
Anton continues his career on Bandcamp with consistently good artistic results. Sure he's an acquired taste, but I love his psychedelic subtly humorous music.
ASH
Race The Night
Ash can still bash you over the head with power rockers (see below), but they can also toss off a Bic lighter-worthy duet ballad, too.
THE BACKLASH
Rise
This is VERY good shoegaze (with a hint of Oasis but I won't hold that against them), slow building but with fast tempos, and a driving wash of reverb and echoed guitars creating an enveloping drone. They're from Italy, which is unexpected, because I would've bet they were English; London or Manchester. Picture yourself in a dimly lit rock club, dancing, lost a sweaty haze to this:.
BEN FOLDS
What Matters Most
Best Ben Folds album in a long while, maybe even my second favorite (after Rockin' The Suburbs) since he went solo. This video is clever and fun, and vintage super-catchy Folds. Favorite lyrics: Don't know what came over me,
As I awkwardly dropped my room key.
I said I think that's yours...
and three hours later I was bangin' this verse out.
BLINKER THE STAR
Animal Math
My other favorite Bandcamp-based artist (who needs label distribution?), Jordon Zadorozny continues on his singular aural path as Blinker The Star. Songs are dreamy, catchy, and flow in and out of major/minor keys creating a nonstop sense of unease to accompany your dancing under twinkle lights.
HONORABLE MENTION:
THE ROLLING STONES
Hackney Diamonds
Very good and enjoyable. I may even play it several times eventually. Rock on, guys! I won't be angry.
It was a tumultuous year. So much so that I'm just sending this about three months after the end of it! But as I drafted most of this in December, I might as well put it out now, as these albums and songs are still great. My favorites of 2022. Feel free to sample and enjoy.
ADRIAN BELEW
Elevator
My favorite frontman for King Crimson (80s and 90s), as well as sometimes sideman for David Bowie, Talking Heads and others, released another solo album this year, and although his output isn't exactly commercial, it is always adventurous and usually upbeat and fun. Check out the leadoff track:
ANDY BELL (of Ride)
Flicker
If you like Ride, England's shoegaze rockers from the 90s and onward, then you'll probably like this solo effort from co-frontman Andy Bell (not the guy from Erasure...different Andy Bell). Dreamy guitar sounds and evocative lyrics. I'm properly entranced.
ROBYN HITCHCOCK Shufflemania!
I believe this is Robyn's 1,458th solo album. I'm exaggerating a bit but not much. I've never run across a bad Hitchcock album, but this one's quickly becoming one of my favorites on repeated listenings. The tracks range from gentle/cheeky psychedelia, to barnstormers like this one:
ANYWAY GANG Still Anyways
The Anyway Gang is a Canadian indie-rock supergroup consisting of Sam Roberts, Chris Murphy (from my beloved Sloan), Menno Versteeg (from Hollerado), and Dave Monks (from Tokyo Police Club). This group's output doesn't necessarily eclipse any of their other work, but it's equal to the sum of its parts. Feel-good hit of 2020, right here:
TEARS FOR FEARS The Tipping Point
What a great album. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith have been in the background for a while, but they've stepped back into the limilight with a passionate, masterful album. Speaking of master...
BANANARAMA Masquerade
Well this was unexpected, but quite welcome: New Wave darlings Bananarama returned in 2022 with this very good album. The lyrics sound like they were written by a besotted 19-year-old, but that's not a bad thing, as they are paired with insanely catchy sounds and rhythms, and their ethereal singing voices.
SLOAN Steady
Now say them together: Sloan Steady. A cute little play on words to describe their entire career path. Patrick (the rockin' one) once said something like "In the early days, I assumed we would keep playing larger and larger venues as we grew in popularity. But instead we kept going back to the same places, getting enthusiastic crowds. I realized over time that it was much more important to us to remain true to ourselves and play to the fans who cared and kept coming." Can confirm: I've seen them in small clubs many times over the years and they've always been ecstatic, communal events.This album is just as good as the rest of their catalog, by which I mean it's FANTASTIC.
THE COWSILLS Rhythm Of The World
When I was a little kid, my sister bought the 45 single "Hair" by The Cowsills. I loved it and played it probably over a hundred times. So fun! I realized years later that they had put out quite a few albums, trying to leave behind them the "bubblegum pop" tag (the brothers really wanted to rock, more like their heroes of the day, such as Jimi Hendrix), but their mom brought in little Susan and well, they remained The Cowsills as we know and love them. Fast forward 55 years, and the 3 surviving siblings just released a new album, and it's really good! Hippy idealism and sunny dispositios are alive and well (love Susan's bellbottoms). The only misstep is "Nuclear Winter" which would have made more sense on a Weird Al Yankovic album (like this song). Aside from that, enjoy!
BLINKER THE STAR Love Oblast
Jordon Zadorozny (the wizard behind the moniker Blinker The Star) is a modern day Todd Rundren (a true star - who is also still putting out albums BTW) in that he can do it all: He wrote, performed, produced and mixed the album, with a little instrumental help from some friends. I got on board with his genius in 1999 with the album August Everywhere, and he continues to weave a magic musical spell. When he puts out a new album on Bandcamp, I'm happy to buy it directly from the artist.
BRENDAN BENSON Low Key
This is more of an EP (about 30 minutes long), but wow the songs are killer! Brendan has spent time in some bands (most notably The Raconteurs with Jack White), but I like his solo stuff a little better. Here's an absolute banger, my favorite track:
AWOLNATION My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers & Me
I don't often include covers albums in this list, but the song selection, and care taken with each one, warrant special attention. This is just thoroughly cool. Songs range from barnstormers (Fugazi's "Waiting Room"), change of tone (Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta"), to a fun gender voice switch like this:
KING'S X Three Sides Of One
Comeback album from one of my favorite power trios. Fourteen years since their last studio album, and this one is just as good, nay better, than their last few. Drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered two major heart attacks and yet, somehow, they are back in full force, sounding better than ever. Hope they come back through Portland on tour sometime!
MEGADETHThe Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!
Sometimes I just wanna hear some shredding and headbanging (figuratively; need to take care of my neck), and these are my go-to guys. Megadeth are models of sustained quality and perseverance: 37 years, 16 albums, despite radial neuropathy leaving leader Dave Mustaine unable to play (he's better now), drug addiction, band member changes, and more. This stuff is just incredible, and the video (apparently they're making one for all the songs) is truly cinematic (and violent).
THE BETHS Expert In A Dying Field
When I'm gauging my enthusiasm for a band, these days I ask: "Would I risk Covid to see them live?" In the case of New Zealand's The Beths, the answer: "I saw them last year in a crowded venue and I saw them again this February, 2023." Songwriter Elizabeth Stokes has a special talent for clever, insightful lyrics. Here, she applies the metaphor of specific technology knowledge that gets phased out, to a relationship that is coming to an end. She should get an award just for coming up with a new way to look at a breakup. But the music and melody are fantastic as well, the band full of spark...and then the harmonies! In the title track below, it elevates at 3:10 to a glorious finish. Melancholy but also hopeful, because she's got her musical friends and is making a joyful noise.
EDDIE VEDDER Earthling
Wow, this caught me by surprise. In the past, the dynamic Pearl Jam singer has done quieter, reflective albums, but this is muscular and emotionally charged. This song is deep grief in a righteously rocking package:
Pete Shelley, co-leader (and writer of many of their biggest hits in the 70s), died in 2018, but now Steve Diggle is the sole man at the helm. You could always tell the Diggle songs from the Shelley songs, not just because of who was singing, but Diggle's style was more straightforward rocking and grooving, simple and catchy. So, what used to be about one-third to one-half of a Buzzcocks album, is now all Diggle and band. But for me, that's fine, and certainly better than nothing! Here's one great track, and here's another, and here's a third:
THE FEELING Loss. Hope. Love.
Another winner from these London lads, six years after their last album and an "indefinite hiatus." Well, the break did them good; they sound invigorated and sweetly melancholic. And this is a great concept for a music video:
THE DEAD DAISIES Radiance
The Dead Daisies release their best album yet, continuing with the indomitable Glenn Hughes (most well-known for his stint with mid-period Deep Purple) on lead vocals and bass. The title track is only one of many good songs on this LP, but it has a crazy cool video for it:
OFF! Free LSD
Keith Morris, the original singer of Black Flag and founder of the Circle Jerks, has been flying the punk flag proudly with OFF! since 2012. Not just simple short, sharp shocks though, this is hard and angry, but also musically more complex than the old punk songs, with shifting time and tempo changes, songs that speed up then slow down for a quick interlude, and then go "off" again. This is the real punk rock of today:
KULA SHAKER 1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs
After releasing two GREAT albums in the 1990's, Kula Shaker got a little quieter and more underground, releasing three albums over the next 17 years. Well, six years after that, they're back in the game. This is all action-oriented eastern-tinged rock music that sounds unlike any other bands.
PORCUPINE TREE Closure/Continuation
Bandleader Steven Wilson has been a busy guy over the 13 years since the last Porcupine Tree studio album, releasing five solo albums as well as producing and remixing other bands' albums. So I was pretty sure we'd seen the last of PT, but here it is, and it's a grower. On first listen, it didn't make much of an impression, but as I listen to it again now, I realize I just wasn't paying attention. It's fantastic, and stands with any of their past albums musically. Wilson has since announced they will be disbanding again, so at least we have this "closure" as he continues on his own path.
SPOON Lucifer On The Sofa
Spoon knocks it out of the musical park again. I love the way their songs often veer unexpectedly when you expect them to go straight down the road. This highlight from the album cooks, and singer/songwriter Britt Daniel has one of those great rock 'n' roll voices:
ANDY BELL (RIDE) I AM A STRANGE LOOP
The Ride guy (his second album on this list!), has highlights of his previous album remixed by other artists. The results are very good, and the album is a very pleasurable listen. If this were the original, it might have outsold the source album, Flicker, released by Andy earlier in 2022. This music will put you in a dream state.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
DEF LEPPARD Diamond Star Halos
About half this album is good, like, REALLY good. The other half didn't do much for me. This, however, is a rager.
COLLECTIVE SOUL Vibrating
They've lost a certain hooky something, but they're still doing what they do very well.
ANTON BARBEAU Stranger
Quirky, existential, non-sequitur, humorous, and tuneful. This guy is unique, and I love his stuff.
DESTROYER Labyrinthitis
Dan Bejar of the New Pornographers has been putting out albums almost as long as that band. Once considered a side project, this is just full-on another thing entirely. Quirky and entrancing.
ANN WILSON Fierce Bliss
The legendary Heart singer steps out for another solo album. About one-third covers (some nice ones) and the rest mostly rockin' originals, with some guests.
YYNOT Light And Shade
The band that started as a Rush cover band (clever name too), has now done three albums of original music. While still Rush-riff heavy, this is top-shelf stuff, including great lyrics and impassioned vocals.
MIDNIGHT OIL Resist
Still righteously fighting the good fight, and rocking out while doing it. Bless 'em. Best line: "Who left the bag of idiots open?"
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN A Little Bit Of Previous
This amazeballs Scottish group forges ahead with their sweetly melancholic (melancholically sweet?) beautiful melodies.
SCORPIONS Rock Believer
Nothing new here, but the Scorpions still rock; believe it!
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Unlimited Love (April) Return of the Dream Canteen (October)
These guys are on a creative roll - two albums in 2022 - and if you like what the Peppers did in the early 90s you'll likely dig the new stuff too. Something about Kiedis' facial hair seems a bit off, though...
THE WEEKND Dawn FM
This guy (born name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) is a true artist, musically and visually. One of the songs here is dark and deep, where his younger pleasure-seeking self beats the crap out of his weakened (see what I did there) older self, but man is it powerful and cautionary. The opening and closing tracks are narrated by (surprise!) Jim Carrey, and this hits hard. Wow.
Every year I think, "Well, I'll make my compilation of favorite albums, but I don't think there were that many..." WRONG AGAIN! Every. Damn. Year. Going back through my 2021 acquisitions, there were a lot of albums to enjoy on repeated listen, and in addition to the 15 highlighted here, there were plenty "honorable mentions" - albums I liked, and am keeping but only played once or twice, but plan on revisiting again. Here you go. If you find one or two here you like, my work will be worth it. (I still enjoy the exercise, even if you don't.)
VENUS HUM Kindness Rages On
After releasing their debut, the enchanting Big Beautiful Sky, in 2003, they kind of fell off the commercial radar, releasing music sporadically since then. But this year they gifted us with Kindness Rages On (a title I love), and the tunefulness, bouncy electronics, and soothing vocals were all still there.
TUNS Duly Noted
A Canadian supergroup of sorts, TUNS is Mike O'Neill of The Inbreds, Chris Murphy of Sloan and Matt Murphy of The Super Friendz. All great groups worth checking out...Sloan in particular (and again, NOT because we share the same name! (although that IS how I found out about them in the first place)). I assume TUNS stands for Technical University of Nova Scotia. Maybe they all attended it? Or lived near there? If anyone knows, please tell me! Anyway, this stuff is super catchy, friendly, good rockin'.
STEVEN WILSON The Future Bites
Steven ventures further into what I call "dance prog" with very cool results. I love the double (or more?) entendre of the album title, and this video is impossible to stop watching once you start. Wait for the last face...woah heavy man.
NOVELTY ISLAND How Are You Coping With This Century?
Novelty Island is basically singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Tom McConnell, from Liverpool. The music is reminiscent of fun and studio-enhanced 1967-era Beatles, but also some of the more recent Sean Lennon songs. He's also a very creative visual artist, as you can see. I'm looking forward to more brilliance from this guy.
MAXIMO PARK Nature Always Wins
A welcome return by these Newcastle lads, now 20 years into their career. This is a band with things to say, and they say them with heart and beauty.
JULIANA HATFIELD Blood
After a couple of wonderful and welcome covers albums (...Sings Olivia Newton-John and ...Sings The Police) this is another great set of originals from Ms. Hatfield. The lyrics are always worth tuning into as well. But dammit Juliana, why did you have to pick this image for the album cover?
THE JOY FORMIDABLE Into The Blue
Probably my favorite band of the last 10 years, this Welsh dream-power trio soldiers on, even though two of them have been living in the American southwest while the drummer has stayed in the UK. But in spite of challenges, they released this majestic album, with this fantastic title track. They've had to reschedule their Portland visit a couple of times now, but I remain hopeful for a 2022 live concert.
HERE LIES MAN Ritual Divination
These guys are badass cool, and are getting better and more intriguing with each release. And I LOVE their band name. This track says it all.
GUIDED BY VOICES It's Not Them. It Couldn't Be Them. It Is Them!
Bob Pollard and gang rock ahead, on what is approximately their 8,453rd album. But this one's really good! Even Paul McCartney can't keep up with this guy's song production (and quality). As one commenter on YouTube said, he has "2,400 songs registered with BMI." Majestic rocking here. And a great image, to be "high in the rain." When the strings come in it reaches another level, and then the horns...
GARY NUMAN Intruder
Talk about soldiering on! Gary's been at it since the late 70's, and is still producing some great music. He continues in his (very catchy) power-goth mode here, with sumptuous sonic results:
AIMEE MANN Queens Of The Summer Hotel
One of my favorites of hers. Another artist who is getting better with age. (Even though her career "high point" remains as the only non-band member to sing on a Rush album LOL.) She's been through the wringer (from Wikipedia "In 2020, Mann developed a nervous system disorder that gave her tinnitus, migraines, nausea and dizziness and prevented her from listening to music for a year. She believed the disorder was triggered by a combination of childhood trauma and the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic."), but somehow pulls through, bless her. So, in other hands, a song with this title and theme might be heavy handed or out of touch, but from her it's a testament to survival and compassion.
BILLY F GIBBONS Hardware
And talk about guys who just don't quit! Despite the death of ZZ Top's bassist Dusty Hill (R.I.P. ya legend), Billy Tex-rocks his way forward with this winning album. Fits right into the ZZ disc-Top-ography just fine.
THE CORAL Coral Island
Another English band about 20 years into their very catchy career, this group from Merseyside, near Liverpool, are just great. Their music always lifts me up. They have a unique sound, but which also harkens back to the 60s. Love their keyboard sounds as well.
CROWDED HOUSE Dreamers Are Waiting
Neil Finn still has that melodic magic touch. This music is just amazing. Here, there's a strong Burt Bacharach vibe. I love it, and am so happy he has persevered through the years (especially after the loss of their charming original drummer, Paul Hester. Play with fire and jam on, gents!
GARY KEMP In Solo
I've been listening to the podcast Rockonteurs, with Gary Kemp (best known as founding member of Spandau Ballet) and Guy Pratt (touring bassist for Pink Floyd since 1988) for a while now, and love it - lots of fun conversations with musicians I know and love - and one day Gary mentioned that he had a new album out. He didn't push it on the podcast, which made me want to check it out even more. And it is a very good, smooth, proggy but catchy album, with wistful, thoughtful lyrics. Definitely a surprise highlight of the year.
HONORABLE MENTIONS (In reverse alphabetical order)
In a recent podcast, business guru Seth Godin pronounced Rock Music dead..."45 years...a good run." Well, the old Rock beast has been declared deceased before, many times, but this time I started to think "Is he right? It does seem like I'm not hearing that much new rock anymore." But then I went to my ongoing iTunes collection and was surprised to find that no, there were actually quite a few new rock albums released this past year - 2020! Didn't we think all arts would be shut down all year? - and that many of them were very, very good. Here are my favorites, in reverse alphabetical order:
X
Alphabetland
Los Angeles rock/punk stalwarts X had a great run in the 80s, but as the decade wore on they suffered from relationship issues and diminishing musical results. Decades later, released in the early months of the pandemic, this album was just what real rock lovers needed.
WIRE
Mind Hive
This band was always more than punk when they started in the late 70s, and they basically invented the post-punk genre in the 80s. They've had an incredible run of quality albums, and their latest is thought provoking, mesmerizing, and exciting.
THOUGHTS DETECTING MACHINES
That Was The Year That Wasn't
Rick Valentin, songwriter, singer, and guitarist for one of my all-time favorite American bands Poster Children, records on the side as Thoughts Detecting Machines, a bit more electronic and motorik than his main band, but this music is compelling and always a great listen. He composed these songs and released them in two's on Bandcamp over the course of 2020, which was great because I had these little gifts to enjoy as the dreary year drug on. Here he remixed and remastered them all for official album release, and it makes for a fantastic one-sitting listen.
THELONIOUS MONSTER
Oh That Monster
I hadn't heard of Thelonious Monster (no relation to jazz legend Thelonious Monk heheh) until this year, but thanks to Alex Green's podcast "Stereo Embers" (check it out! It's excellent), that has been corrected. This band of LA rock scenesters led by Bob Forrest released some small label gems in the late 80s to early 90s but then faded from view...until now. This record is a blast: catchy tunes with loud guitars and lyrics with bite. On this track I hear a little bit of Paul Weller and the mod revival...and that's great.
THE STROKES
The New Abnormal
The Strokes hit it big way back in 2001 with their debut "Is This It." You probably heard it, at least once. It was great! They made a bunch of other albums after that, and I tried to listen to them all, but may have missed some. They just couldn't quite capture that first-time magic. Then, after a seven-year break, this album came along, and it's fantastic, strong and interesting songs all the way through. This video is quite clever, fun, and dark as well.
SPARKS
A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip
The super-collosal-amazing Sparks, led by the Mael brothers from Los Angeles, are nearing 50 years in the business, with at least 23 studio albums released by my count, and almost all of them absolute winners. This new album is just as good as the rest, with perhaps a little more emotional weight to some of the lyrics than in the past. Guess that happens with age (except for AC/DC...see below). This video might be my favorite song of 2020. It's a beautiful summation of a lifetime together, all in under five minutes:
RICK WAKEMAN
The Red Planet
Oh, and you thought no one was making instrumental progressive rock albums anymore? Well, you'd be wrong, very wrong. There are many, actually. But this one came from one of my favorite keyboard artists ever, Mr. Rick Wakeman (ex-Strawbs, ex-Yes, and many solo albums over five decades). Over 70 years old, unable to rehearse or record in person with his bandmates, and still he was able to put out this very good Mars-themed album. It doesn't quite reach the brilliant (or overblown, depending on your perspective) of his 70s solo albums, but at this stage of the game, I'm just thrilled it exists. And there's a signed pop-up version of the album available! (For only $70)
THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS
Made Of Rain
Further proof that age doesn't diminish real talent (until, of course, it finally does). Almost 40 years after their commercial peak, the Furs surprised me with this deep and great-sounding album. Richard Butler's smoky voice sounds unchanged (how can that be?), the lyrics are deep, and the songs are as inventive as anything they've ever done.
PRETENDERS
Hate For Sale
Okay I'm starting to notice a pattern here: Almost all my favorite albums are by artists or bands that have been around for 20 years or more. Gimme a break, I'm gettin' older! It doesn't take away from the fact that these are great albums. Chrissie Hynde, and her old cohort Martin Chambers on drums, are really clicking on this album. The opening title track is proof that their flame is still burning brightly.
PHANTOM PLANET
Devastator
Power Pop, brilliantly done. Ever since they hit (relatively) big in 2004 when their song "California" was featured on the teen soap "The O.C." in 2004, they've bubbled under the radar, and I've paid passing attention to them, if at all. But this album is really good, and this song in particular wins my award for catchiest tune of 2020. We need this kind of music in the world!
PEARL JAM
Gigaton
Did you think Pearl Jam was done? Maybe packed it up in the late 90s after grunge was dead and buried? Oh, not at all! They stayed intense but turned down the grunge guitars and turned up their creativity and other instrumentation. This album is quite varied, very thoughtful, and at this point they can do whatever they want and I will be giving them a good listen.
LIAR, FLOWER
Geiger Counter
KatieJane Garside had her moment of near-fame in 1992 with the twisted grunge band Daisy Chainsaw and their debut album Eleventeen. (If you like the grunge genre, check it out, it's very interesting!) She has soldiered on, as a solo artist with several side project names including this most recent one, as Liar, Flower. This album is a bit split, between quiet, slightly creepy songs with just vocal and autoharp, and more grungy tunes like this one. But the sum total of the album is quite compelling:
HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
Weather
Well, this one is tantalizingly short, only seven songs. Huey Lewis was diagnosed with Meniere's disease, which causes hearing loss, as well as vertigo and other symtoms. Apparently it has no cure. But before the disease struck, they had cut these songs, and they are gems, as good as anything Huey and his News have ever done. How frustratingly sad.
FUZZ
Fuzz III
Ever heard of Ty Segall? He has yet to achieve mainstream success (what would that even look like anymore?), but as one of the most prolific rockers of the last decade, I don't think he much cares. He just keeps cranking out albums, often at a pace of more than one a year, and this one, under the moniker of Fuzz, is one of his most rocking, enjoyable ones yet.
THE FLAMING LIPS
American Head
Another great American band, fearlessly exploring their dark past with our collective dark (but beautiful) future, with incredibly evocative and emotional songs. Perhaps my favorite Flaming Lips album so far. The imagery in this video is very powerful.
DEAP LIPS
Deap Lips
Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips have been staying busy! This is a side project between them and garage rock duo Deap Vally. Very creative, more than the sum of its parts. I love the "blam, blam, blam" motif of this album.
CLOSE LOBSTERS
Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera In The Forest Of Symbols
Scottish indie jangle-popsters put out a little music in the late 80s and quickly called it a day. Or did they? In 2020 they released a new album, and it's fantastic. Just listen:
BLUE OYSTER CULT
The Symbol Remains
Unbelievable really that these classic rock stalwarts from the 70s would release such a great sounding, hard hitting album at this stage, but they certainly did. Best thing they've done in decades. Bravo! And there's something about Buck Dharma's voice that I just love.
THE BATS
Foothills
This little band that could from New Zealand, going strong over 30 years now, has never really got my attention...until now. (Thanks again, Stereo Embers: The Podcast!) After hearing an interview with leader Robert Scott - a cheerful, humble man - I gave this album a good listen with headphones one night, and was enchanted. While the album was released in New Zealand in 2018 it just got its American release in 2020, so I'm including it here. Because more fans of really good indie rock should hear this!
ANTON BARBEAU
Manbird
Another revelation via Stereo Embers (this guy finds the coolest people!), Barbeau is a quirky, individualistic pop/rock artist, and very inventive songwriter and studio music creator. After hearing a few samples of his work, I went to Bandcamp and immediately bought his entire digital library from his site. Very cool, very fun stuff. This album is one of his best, IMO.
AC/DC
Power Up
I'll finish (randomly...this is a reverse-alphabetical list, remember?) with the most conventional release. For fans of AC/DC, this album comes as quite a surprise, and a minor miracle, considering one core member had died, another was diagnosed with dementia (and had legal trouble as well), and the singer suffered major hearing loss while on tour back in 2016 and quit quite suddenly. So when rumors of them sneaking into a recording studio in Vancouver, Canada began, fans hoped that there might be a little something we could enjoy. Little did we expect a full album of classic AC/DC would emerge. Great to have them back! (Brian Johnson is 73 years old...how the hell does he do that with this voice?!?)
Well, that's it. There was plenty more great music released in 2020 of course. These were just some of my favorites. As always, if you look for "Best of The Year" lists (NPR, Allmusic.com, etc) you won't find many of these there. But that's why I do this list every year. One or two of these might just become one of your favorite albums of the year, too.
Happy Listening!
